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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Deadline Approaching to Request Compensatory Education
For students with disabilities, an IEP team meeting must be held by December 31st, to discuss the need for compensatory services related to the COVID pandemic. These meetings must address any missed services or disruption of academic progress that occurred between March 18th, 2020 and September 1st, 2021.

Compensatory education can come in many forms, some of which are tutoring services, additional therapy time, and Extended School Year. It can be provided before or after school, on weekends, during the summer, or during school hours if it does not interfere with the student's education.

If you have not yet discussed compensatory education with your school district, contact your IEP case manager to schedule a meeting as soon as possible.

Please note: Students do not automatically qualify for compensatory education. The meeting is held to determine if these services are needed.
Transition Month on Mondays with Michael
This month has been all about transition planning on Mondays with Michael. We've reviewed the basics of transition services in IEPs, and how to make plans for employment and college. The Transition Mini-Series concluded this morning with a discussion on parent and student rights. The recordings are all available on our Facebook page at the link below, so make sure to catch up if you missed an episode!

If you're new to the series, every episode is a quick 10-minute chat about a different topic related to special education. No registration is required to attend, just visit our Facebook page every Monday at 10 am to watch, and remember to leave a comment!
In The News
After outcry, Murphy halts plan to eliminate popular N.J. school-based mental health programs
"A popular, decades-old mental health counseling program will continue operating in 90 New Jersey school districts, at least temporarily, under a compromise that will allow Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration to move forward with a separate plan to create a statewide network of treatment services off campus.
It’s a victory for fierce supporters of the existing School-Based Youth Services — including high school graduates, educators, and state lawmakers — who argued the programs have provided a safe haven for troubled kids."
Ed Department Wants Expedited Evaluations For Students With Disabilities Who Move
"Citing concerns from stakeholders, federal education officials are telling schools to do more to help students with disabilities who move from one district to another.
Guidance issued this month from the U.S. Department of Education spells out steps schools ought to be taking to ease the transition for “highly mobile children” in accessing special education services. This category incorporates a broad range of kids including those from military families, migrants, homeless as well as foster children." Read more here.
Virtually Awesome
Family Caregivers Month

Governor Murphy and The New Jersey Department of Human Services have officially declared November as Family Caregivers Month. We thank them for recognizing the importance of family members who support a loved one with IDD.

To celebrate Family Caregivers Month, we have been featuring some family members who have become strong advocates for their child's education. Check out our Twitter and Facebook pages to see what they have to say about being parent advocates.


Mission to Transition
Project SEARCH Applications Now Available

Project SEARCH is a one-year, intensive employment skills training program based inside Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ. Students spend an entire school year on-site at the hospital rotating through three different internship experiences. They also receive 90 minutes of classroom-based instruction per day on topics related to employability and independent living. Students are strongly encouraged to take public transportation to and from Overlook, and the program offers comprehensive travel training the summer before the program begins in collaboration with the NJ Travel Independence Program at Rutgers.  

Project SEARCH is accepting applications on a rolling basis. We will schedule interviews with students and their families after all application materials are received. 

To learn more about SEARCH visit:

For questions, please reach out to Josh Bornstein at jbornstein@ucesc.org
Reality Tech
Benefits of Assistive Technology in the Classroom
"Students often learn best by doing. Assistive technology uses this concept, supplying students with hands-on learning aids to make learning fun and less stressful. Each assistive technology tool strengthens a student’s skill set through the act of playing, and many of these devices are outfitted with vibrant colors and engaging designs that fuel a student’s empowerment for learning."
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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thearcfamilyinstitute.org
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